Celebrating Graduation

The Class of 2023 was farewelled with a moving ceremony in the College's Jubilee Centre last Thursday.

The 94 graduands were dressed to impress for their final formal function, with most of the girls wearing white gowns in the Trinity tradition and the fellows looking very smart in suits and ties.

In the College’s beautiful Jubilee Centre, each Year 12 student was presented by their Homeroom teacher to receive a graduation pack from Principal Mr Paul Clohesy. The newly-minted graduates were then blessed by Father Michael who gifted them with a special candle bearing their name.

The graduation ceremony was followed by the lighting of five candles symbolising wisdom, love, memory, faith and the Trinity candle symbolising the light of Christ.

Father Michael then presided over a simple Liturgy, with the community joining together to honour our faith tradition and the Trinity journey that immersed the graduates in the Gospel values throughout their time at the College.

A heartfelt Homily that focused on wisdom was delivered by Father Michael, who suggested that wisdom is about what happens next – and is perhaps simply choosing to act in the next moment from a place of love and acceptance. His simple and profound words were soaked up by the assembled parents and carers, staff and the Class of 2023 before the Trinity prayer was offered up and Father Michael blessed the graduates while the Liturgy came to an end.

Special and academic awards were then presented to students to celebrate commitment to personal excellence, highlighting not only academia but also self-development and personal achievement to ensure every student has an opportunity to excel during their final year. The Year 12 video provided some entertainment with some surreptitious tears being dabbed as the graduates took in the fond memories and moments of their time at Trinity. Formal speeches followed, with the 2023 College Captains delivering a heartfelt address and farewell to their peers, and Principal Mr Paul Clohesy and Year 12 Coordinator Mrs Angela McGlynn highlighting the special bond of the group.

Finally, Mrs McGlynn invited the graduates of the Class of 2023 back on to the stage where their rite of passage was formally acknowledged and celebrated by the community, with celebratory confetti showering down and a few tears starting to flow again.

The beautiful evening wrapped up with refreshments and supper in the foyer with parents and staff mingling with the new College alumni who glowed with happiness as they celebrated the moment with their friends and families.

Congratulations to the Class of 2023 and thank you for contributing to the rich history of Trinity College Colac.